What rules apply with light rail and regular rail working close with each other?

Question

I saw a light rail going one way and a freight train going in the opposite direction on the same dual track. So now I'm confused. This applies to the US.

Answer 1

What rules are you asking about? Obviously, if they are sharing the same track, they need to be carefully managed.

Answer 2

Sure, it's possible, the San Diego system works that way, for instance.  In the early 20th century, that's how interurban lines operated - both freight and passenger.

The light rail obviously has some rules to prevent collisions.  That might just be the operator's eyeballs... for instance in lines where they cross a lot of streets.  As long as the freight train follows the same rules, they can be mixed.

Does the light rail system interchange freight cars with the national railroad system?  If it does, then it's governed by the federal rules of the FRA, Title 49 CFR 200-299.   That covers everything from track standards to safety glass to crashworthiness of the passenger cars.   Which means either the light rail vehicles are built extra-tough, or the FRA has granted a waiver for their use.   If the light rail doesn't interchange, then only a few FRA rules apply, and it's mostly governed by the state.

The cars in question might just be maintenance-of-way cars, for instance hauling ties or ballast.  Every light rail system has those.

Answer 3

Well, as far as operations are concerned the only rules that apply are in regards to who has priority over the line.  If it is the freight railroad than it dispatches the "light rail" train when possible (i.e., when none of its trains are occupying that particular "block" of track) and vice versa.  As far as the differences there are really none except that light rail means just that, a passenger train/powered train set that is light enough to operate over trackage less than, say, 90 pounds in weight.  Having said that, I would guess that since you mentioned the line was double-tracked and used by freight trains as well, that the rail is much heavier, probably something at least 125 pounds and the freight railroad probably has priority since they most likely own the tracks.

Answer 4

opposite track no problem.

In Kearney NJ the

PATH a ligh rail and NJTransit./Amtrak pass opposite each other all day long.

Not a problem.

Answer 5

All trains are governed by the rules in place on the railroad upon which they are running at the time.

It's a safe bet your 'regular' train is running according to the rules set forth in the General Code, or GCOR.  So, when light rail, or other foreign lines, such as in the case of a detour, for that matter, will be running according to these rules.

When foreign lines are running on another's tracks, the rules regarding train make-up restrictions or speed restrictions on equipment, etc., the regulations of the home road apply.

Any engineer, including some of those of light rail transit, require FRA certification to operate.  If a light rail motorman isn't qualified, he will have a 'pilot' assigned to him.  In this case, a 'pilot' is an employee assigned to assist some one either unfamiliar with the territory or not qualified for the district.